Phuket Massage Parlor Owner Arrested in Child Trafficking Sting

Chalong police and social development officers arrested a massage parlor owner in Phuket after an undercover sting exposed alleged child trafficking at a Rawai business on May 13. The operation also rescued a 16-year-old girl identified by authorities as an alleged trafficking victim and led to the arrest of a 40-year-old masseuse, police said.

Investigators said the case grew out of a child prostitution inquiry into sexual services allegedly being sold under the guise of massage. The owner, identified as Ms May, and the employee, identified as Ms Nid, were taken into custody after the raid.

Undercover operation uncovered 1,500-baht sex service offer

Police said an undercover officer was sent into the premises after authorities learned the shop was allegedly offering sexual services. The investigation found that foreign clients were being charged 1,500 baht per hour, officials said.

According to investigators, Ms May directed the teenage worker to perform sexual acts for customers. That allegation formed a central part of the trafficking case assembled before the arrests.

Victim placed in care as owner faces six charges

After the rescue, the 16-year-old was placed in the care of the Social Development and Human Security Office for a formal identification process. Officials said that step is part of handling suspected trafficking victims.

Police said Ms May faces six charges under the Human Trafficking Act and the Prevention and Suppression of Prostitution Act. Officers also warned that businesses found exploiting children under 18 can face penalties including fines of more than 600,000 baht or life imprisonment.

Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/DYXl0d8jRIw/